lkeja DISCO warns workers over extortion

The Management of the Ikeja Distribution Company (IKEDC) on Friday urged its customers to report any worker demanding payment for purchase of pre-paid meters or the repair of its equipment.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Pekun Adeyanju, Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), of the company, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that the Ikeja DISCO is a joint venture of the New Electricity Distribution Company and Korea Electric Power Corporation.

The statement advised customers managed by the Ikeja Distribution Company (IKEDC) to ensure they dealt with the office directly.

IKEDC’s business units are located in Abule-Egba, Akowonjo, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikotun, Ipaja, Odogunyan, Ogba, Ojodu, Oshodi and Somolu.

Adeyanju stressed that the company remained solely responsible for the supply, repairs, and replacement of its equipment.

He said that the management had since commenced customer education campaigns aimed at creating awareness of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery.

“It has come to our notice that some former PHCN staff have allegedly been extorting money from members of the public.

“Such people go around under the guise of receiving contributions towards the repair of equipment in their localities and the purchase of prepaid meters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no former PHCN staff or IKEDC staff is authorised to make such demands.

“We urge the public to rebuff these impostors and report such cases to the nearest IKEDC office.

“Customers can also contact us using [email protected] or send SMS to 08174598393 for prompt investigation and resolution,” Adeyanju said.

The company warned that it was a criminal offence for unauthorised persons to tamper with any IKEDC facility or equipment, adding that defaulters would be prosecuted.

According to Adeyanju, the company had embarked on an upgrade of its customer care centres in its 11 business units.

He said it would accelerate complaint resolution and enable it to respond promptly to issues bordering on metering, estimated billing, shedding and vandalism, among others.

Adeyanju said IKEDC was also partnering with relevant authorities to address vandalism of its equipment.

He, however, urged consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around equipment in their areas to the law enforcement agencies, as well as IKEDC.

“It is imperative that people who ask for their rights should first be responsible to the society.

The statement recalled that the new management of IKEDC had been holding inaugural town hall meetings across its various locations.

He said the interaction was to establish a roadmap towards providing uninterrupted quality power supply to all its consumers in the nearest future.

The company is also holding Personal and Corporate social Responsibility activities.

The programme started off with free medical services in Ketu, last December and free eye care treatment for residents of Ikorodu and Odogunyan from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, 2014.

The statement said that the programme would also hold in other areas.

He explained that the activities are aimed at giving back to the society, whilst educating the public on its role in ensuring the nation achieved affordable, efficient and sustainable power supply. (NAN)